Microsoft to unveil 'Windows Blue' later this year

Software giant Microsoft now plans to launch a substantial update to the new operating system later this year to make it more compatible with tablets.

MUMBAI: Having sold 100 million licences of Windows 8 within six months of launch, software giant Microsoft now plans to launch a substantial update to the new operating system later this year to make it more compatible with tablets.

Codenamed 'Windows Blue', the update aims to make Windows 8 more compatible with smaller screens. This will enable Microsoft to compete in the fast-growing tablet PC segment against devices like Apple's iPad, iPad Mini, Samsung's Galaxy Tab and Google's Nexus 7.

Windows 8 has received tremendous response from users and 100 million licenses have been sold in the six months since launch, roughly in line with the previous version, Microsoft India Director (Windows Business Group) Amrish Goyal told PTI.

"We will be rolling out an update to Windows 8, code named 'Windows Blue', later this year. Details of the update will be released in the next few weeks," he added.

Windows 8 was the first operating system from the Microsoft stable, designed for touch commands.

However, the operating system did not have much impact in the tablet market, which is dominated by Apple's iPad and devices powered by Android OS.

"The mobility scenario today is dependent on size of the device, display, battery life and performance. Windows Blue will look at enhancing all these areas," Goyal said.

Goyal said about 40 million OEM machines, powered by Windows 8, have been sold in the first six months. There have also been 739 updates to the OS since launch.

Users have complained about lack of availability of affordable tablets powered by the Windows OS.

Asked if Windows Blue would take care of the affordability issue, Goyal said, "The intent is to make Windows 8 more affordable. SKUs have been provided to partners to offer more affordable tablets and we are sure these devices will be made available in the coming months."